RECAP: Donald Trump speaks at Republican National Convention as calls mount for Joe Biden to pull out
To say there’s a lot going on in US politics right now would be a huge understatement.
Former President Donald Trump has spoken at the Republican National Conference in a speech that was exactly what Trump supporters would have been hoping to hear.
His speech, on night four of the RNC in Milwaukee, followed a shocking assassination attempt on Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday.
The shooting, which killed one audience member and resulted in the death of the perpetrator, Thomas Matthew Crooks, turned the election campaign on its head.
Joe Biden had been facing increasing pressure to step down as the Democratic candidate following a miserable performance in the first presidential debate.
Those calls have continued to intensify in recent days, with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi coming out this morning (Australian time) to say that she expects Biden can be persuaded to step down fairly soon.
Recap the highlights — and lowlights — from the RNC below.
Key Events
Trump’s speech one for the ages
This is actually an excellent speech.
It was a masterstroke to start with his account of the shooting. He is very reserved, even with such a receptive audience. But he’s hitting the right notes.
Trump reveals Kid Rock called him asking to be part of it
That says it all, really.
Trump pays tribute to ‘amazing wife’
“On this journey, I am proud to be joined by my amazing wife Melania.”
The crowd pauses to applaud the former First Lady.
He acknowledged the letter pleading for unity that Mrs Trump wrote, saying it should be part of Republican policy.
Trump calls for unity, then has a crack at Democrats
“In an age when our politics too often divide us, now is a time to remember that we are all American citizens.
“We must not criminalise dissent or demonisation political disagreement.
The Democrat Party should immediately stop weaponising the justice system and labelling their opponent as an enemy of democracy.
“I am the one saving people from attacks on our democracy.”
Trump issues rallying cry
“No matter what obstacle comes our way, we will not break, we will not bend, we will not back down,” he says.
“I will never stop fighting for you, your family and our magnificent country.”
Trump says shooting victims doing ‘very well’
He has given an update on the condition of the injured shooting victims, saying they’re doing “very well”.
They’re now observing a moment’s silence for Mr Comperatore.
Tribute to Corey Comperatore onstage
Mr Comperatore was a fire chief. They’ve put his uniform onstage in a touching gesture.
He also revealed $6.3m had been raised for the families of the injured and killed shooting victims.
Images of the iconic fist-raising picture plastered across the stage
“Once my fist went up, the crowd realised I was OK and roared with pride like nothing I’ve ever heard before.
“For the rest of my life, I’ll be grateful for the crowd of patriots.”
Trump also pays tribute to the person who was killed by the shooter, as well as the two injured.
“Our love and prayers are with them and always will be. We’re never going to forget them. They were serious Trumpsters.”
Trump says he spoke to victim Corey Comperatore. He labelled him a “fine man”, saying he protected his wife and daughters by throwing his body across theirs.
Trump praises Secret Service sniper
“I’m not supposed to be here tonight.”
The crowd responds by chanting “Yes you are.”
“I stand before you in this arena only by the grace of almighty God.
“Many people say it was a providential moment. It probably was.”
Trump: ‘I felt serene’
“They saw me go down and thought that I was dead. They knew it was a shot to the head.
“They didn’t want to leave me and you could see that love written all over their faces.
“Incredible people. Bullets were flying over us yet I felt serene.”
